Thanks all! That's what I thought too and just needed confirmation - yup, I know they are awesome We're not eating in the restaurant this year, just needed to know if we could get one without reservations

This is sort of related but sort of off topic, so sorry for hijacking your thread princessSunshine. There are many TS restaurants that I have browsed the menu for and would LOVE to have an app or desert from, but have always felt uncomfortable/fearful of going to just for one thing. Is this acceptable? Really? Do they get mad? Will most TS places let you get a app or desert to go? Can you just order from the Check in kiosk?

For example, I have always wanted to try the chicken bastilla from Marrakesh in Epcot. Can I get this to go without sitting for a whole meal? Or is that just rude?

This is sort of related but sort of off topic, so sorry for hijacking your thread princessSunshine. There are many TS restaurants that I have browsed the menu for and would LOVE to have an app or desert from, but have always felt uncomfortable/fearful of going to just for one thing. Is this acceptable? Really? Do they get mad? Will most TS places let you get a app or desert to go? Can you just order from the Check in kiosk?

For example, I have always wanted to try the chicken bastilla from Marrakesh in Epcot. Can I get this to go without sitting for a whole meal? Or is that just rude?

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I have to admit that our only two experiences were 'out of the ordinary', but we had no trouble just ordering a dessert at TS restaurants.

The first time, we were outside Italy and I stepped wrong and twisted my ankle. A CM asked if I needed medical, and we decided I just needed some ice and to sit a bit. The CM got it and we went and sat at the restaurant and ordered a cold drink and a dessert... no problem.

The second time was last year - we were at DtD and DD had just finished at BBB when it started POURING. We were going to go to Ghiradelli for dessert, but it was packed so we wandered over to Raglan Rd, which was fairly empty (it was around 8pm). We asked if we could just order some dessert and they said no problem and sat our group of 5 within 5 minutes and we got to enjoy some amazing desserts and watch the show! DH and I plan to do dessert and show again this next trip - DD got to go on stage and learn a dance, and the desserts were wonderful!!!

There are many TS restaurants that I have browsed the menu for and would LOVE to have an app or desert from, but have always felt uncomfortable/fearful of going to just for one thing. Is this acceptable? Really? Do they get mad? None of them really care if you order small plates/apps or just dessert, and if the servers do care they certainly won't show it. And if they do, just ignore them or ask for management or a re-seat. (I've never had problems in this situation, and I do it on a fairly regular basis because I like apps in some of the places where I don't particularly like anything else on the menu lol.) I personally wouldn't book one at a peak meal time (i.e., between 6 and 8pm when dinner rush is in effect) but that is just to give the servers a chance to have full-meal tables for dinner and deal with my small-order table during a slower time period.

Will most TS places let you get a app or desert to go? Can you just order from the Check in kiosk?Very few TS handle to-go. They certainly aren't set up to order/pick up like regular non-WDW restaurants may be. Very few of them even have containers they could put your food in. To-go desserts could be had from one of the numerous bakeries in parks and resorts without anytone blinking an eye, but TS apps/desserts to go are less do-able. Some restaurants will try to accomodate you if they can, but expect to wait and be ready for a bit of confusion from the staff. The check-in folks have a computer system which allows them to handle reservations and seating, and to enter your information when they check you in to pre-program your tab/ticket and streamline the server's job inside - but they are not set up to take orders or money.

For example, I have always wanted to try the chicken bastilla from Marrakesh in Epcot. Can I get this to go without sitting for a whole meal? Or is that just rude?

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Marrakesh would probably be glad to have you no matter what you ordered. We always find it to be fairly non-busy, and incredibly hospitable. It isn't rude to patronize any restaurant anywhere and just order what you want - you are never obligated to order a full set of courses regardless (unless you are at a buffet, of course - no "dessert only" option there). Servers who make you uncomfortable or who express any disappointment or bother from handling your smaller-than-expected order are the ones being rude.